Roll cage tie-in plates?

[Bebbetufs]

I'm wondering if tying the roll cage to the A-pillars using-tie in plates can cause cracks in the windscreen when the car twists? It seems very common, but most cars I see with the plates have roofs..Any thoughts/ experiences?

[MaxD]

A well designed cage stiffens up a chassis considerably. Tying into the A-pillar is always a good idea, but rules might prohibit it.

The local cage builder of my cage (Tatum Racing) does this. They have built many Boxster cages with no windshield cracking.

[maytag]

Like Max's, the cage for my spec boxster was also built like this, with no negative side-effects. (mine was built by a hot-rod shop in CO)

[Bebbetufs]

Thank you for your input. I've decided to do this. Now I need to find out how to get the windscreen out in one piece.

[MaxD]

I hope you are "so" lucky to get it out without cracking it. My try was a mess, they are surprisingly hard to get out at all, then you just loose it and use anything at your disposal.

I would just add a new windscreen into the cost of a cage.

With new glass (or lexan) you can throw on a few tear off layers and be happy with a new windshield.

[Bebbetufs]

Thanks. Do you cut the adhesive with wire/ string?

If I crack it do you recommend going with lexan?

[MaxD]

Yes, a wire cutter is best and some of the professional ones do make saving a windshield possible.

If you get a cheaper (wire and two handles) version, you can still do a good job. Make sure you do your best not to cut into the paint around the windshield - nothing major if you do, but do prep and repair so it never rusts.

Glass or lexan is your choice. Glass always seems clearer in viewing to me + factory motorsports cars all come with glass. I have lexan on my cars. It makes it easy to take windshield out if you are welding something or just need extra space in the car to do something.

If you have issues with regulatory bodies over coil springs, I can't even imaging the puckering if you showed up with a lexan window.

[rastta]

I don't have those plates. My cage bars are maybe 1/2 inch away from the windshield surround and tied in with small plates in various locations. Only thing I wish I had were FIA bars that come down horizontally. Would have to do a complete redesign to make them work.

[MaxD]

Originally Posted by rastta

I don't have those plates. My cage bars are maybe 1/2 inch away from the windshield surround and tied in with small plates in various locations. Only thing I wish I had were FIA bars that come down horizontally. Would have to do a complete redesign to make them work.

Yep - and I bet your cage is just fine.

Mine actually has two plates, not one big one.

Cage designs do follow trends.

The FIA bar is always in style. I think I can integrate one into my cage without too much hassle.

[rastta]

Originally Posted by MaxD

Yep - and I bet your cage is just fine.

Mine actually has two plates, not one big one.

Cage designs do follow trends.

The FIA bar is always in style. I think I can integrate one into my cage without too much hassle.

I'd rather have my cage bars closer to the windshield frame anyway. I'd have to cut out too much to make the FIA's work. Since I don't actually race it - I'm fine with it as is.